198 WILD LIFE OF SCOTLAND 



here, or in the cottages around ; and the solitude 

 and charm of the place remained unbroken. But 

 recently, a grand hotel has sprung up, which daily 

 empties on the loch a type of visitor, quite new to 

 the south. The proprietor is concerning his soul 

 at present about the pike, and desirous of killing 

 them out, as if they were so many beetles. 



As a fishing river, the Tweed is ideal : a succes- 

 sion of streams, and slowly deepening pools ; with 

 no traps for unwary feet, or ugly black holes of 

 unknown depth. Wading is so safe, and easy, that 

 it has become far too general, and disturbs the 

 water for those who follow. 



Once I saw a man wading, as I thought, reck- 

 lessly, and spoke to him. He was there for a 

 holiday, to recruit after the worries of the year ; 

 and there is no place more restful. His boy 

 was playing on the bank. The water was high, 

 and brown. He would cast always one yard 

 farther. Afterward he disappeared ; doubtless, he 

 stumbled, and the water poured into his fishing- 

 boots like so much lead ; or the enclosed air made 

 his wading breeches a couple of bladders to keep 

 his legs up, and his head down. 



Such occurrences, however, are exceptional ; and, 

 with ordinary caution, would be impossible. And 



